Waldorf, MD Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers

Attorneys Assisting With Accidents Involving Hit-and-Run Drivers in Waldorf, Maryland

Being injured in a car accident can be traumatic, but when the driver who caused the crash flees the scene without stopping, the situation can become especially difficult. An injury victim may not know what to do when the person responsible for an accident cannot be located. They may be unsure about whether they will be able to obtain compensation that will address the injuries and damages they have suffered. Fortunately, there are options for people who have been harmed in hit-and-run accidents, and an experienced attorney can provide guidance on the best steps to take to obtain compensation.

At Farmer & Klopfer, we help people who have been injured in hit-and-run collisions understand their rights, and we can make sure they will be able to obtain the full compensation available to them. Our lawyers have helped many people achieve success in personal injury cases involving hit-and-run accidents and other types of collisions. We are committed to protecting the interests of our clients and making sure they will not be forced to accept the consequences of another person's irresponsible and illegal conduct.

Why a Driver May Flee the Scene of an Accident

Any driver who is involved in a collision involving injuries or property damage is required to stop, remain at the scene, and provide information to the other party, including their contact details and information about their auto insurance policy. A person who leaves the scene of an accident without stopping or exchanging information could be charged with a criminal offense. However, drivers may sometimes fail to stop due to issues such as:

Fear of Criminal Consequences

A driver may flee the scene of an accident because they are afraid of being charged with a crime. If a driver was intoxicated at the time of the crash, they may try to flee to avoid DUI charges. A driver may also flee because they have outstanding warrants, do not have a valid driver's license, or believe that running will allow them to avoid legal consequences.

Lack of Insurance

It is illegal to drive a vehicle that is not covered by liability insurance, so an uninsured driver may try to flee to avoid the consequences of driving without insurance. A person may hope that if they leave the scene, they will not be identified, and they will not be forced to face the legal and financial consequences of being uninsured.

Panic and Shock

Some people may react to the stress and shock of a collision with panic. In the immediate aftermath of an accident, a person may try to escape a frightening situation without thinking clearly about their legal requirements. Drivers who are inexperienced or who have never been involved in a serious accident may be more likely to flee.

Locating a Hit-and-Run Driver

Our attorneys may be able to take steps to identify a driver who was responsible for causing an accident. We may work alongside law enforcement during an investigation, helping to ensure that a hit-and-run driver can be held responsible for their actions and that officers may be able to charge them with the proper criminal offenses.

Our team can obtain security camera footage from nearby businesses, parking lots, or residential security systems, as well as any traffic cameras that may have captured the accident. This footage may be used to determine the license plate number of a vehicle, its make and model, or other identifying information that may be used to locate a driver. We can also get statements from witnesses and review other physical evidence that may help identify the type and model of a vehicle.

Options for Injury Victims When a Hit-and-Run Driver Cannot Be Identified

There are some situations where it may not be possible to find a driver who was responsible for a hit-and-run collision. In these cases, an injury victim will be eligible for uninsured motorist coverage that can provide compensation for their damages.

An injured person can file an uninsured motorist claim with their own insurance company. This claim may provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, filing a claim does not guarantee that the process will be straightforward or that an insurer will treat a person fairly. Insurance companies that handle these types of claims may try to limit the amounts that will be paid out, or they may attempt to deny claims.

Insurers may question whether a hit-and-run actually occurred. They may dispute the severity of a person's injuries or argue that certain types of medical treatment were not necessary. They may offer settlements that are below what the policy limits would allow or the amount of a victim's actual losses. Our lawyers can take steps to address these tactics, and we will work to ensure that our clients can receive the full compensation they deserve.

Contact Our Waldorf Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys

When dealing with a hit-and-run accident, legal representation can help ensure that your rights will be protected. The attorneys at Farmer & Klopfer can make sure you take the right steps to get the full compensation available to you. We can investigate your accident, locating a hit-and-run driver if possible, and make sure you will be treated fairly by insurance companies. Our goal is to ensure that you will have the financial resources needed to recover from the injuries suffered in an accident. Contact our Waldorf, MD hit-and-run collision lawyers at 301-843-3890 and schedule your free consultation.